Charlie Albert Craven, 83, of Wellsville, passed away surrounded by his family, at 7:36 p.m. on February 17, 2023, at his home.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on February 21, 2023, at Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville with Pastor Chris Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Montgomery City.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on February 20 at the funeral home.
Charlie was born on October 23, 1939, in McCracken County, Ky. He was the son of John and Lillie (Rogers) Craven. On August 11, 1956, he married Loretta May Gaston in Rush Hill (Audrain County). Loretta preceded him in death on January 26, 1999.
Charlie worked at the Skelly Gas Station in Danville with his brother Jim for many years. He also had worked as a night supervisor at the Fulton State Hospital and as a supervisor at the Sheltered Workshop in Boonville. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing, piddling around with old cars, camping and fishing. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Steven Craven (Tina), of Middletown, and Charles Burts (Michelle), of Wellsville; two daughters, Verna Hildebrand (Steve), of Middletown, and Cathy Burts, of Wellsville; one daughter-in-law, April Craven, of Mexico; two brothers, Jim Craven, of Montgomery City, and Jack Craven (Carol), of Big Spring; 13 grandchildren, Daniel Hager (April), of Wellsville, Curtis Craven (Becky) of Montgomery City, Stacy Goff (Terence), of Wellsville, Jamie Shaw (Adam) of Wellsville, Makayla and Harley Craven, of Mexico, Tonya Nowlin (Eric), of Chicago, Ill., Crystal Hudson (Travis), of Fort Polk, La., Richard Burts (Krissy), of O’Fallon, Stephanie Swygard (Jeremy), of Wellsville, Brandy Luckey (Dustin), of Wellsville, Ryan Craven (Kristen), of Lake St. Louis, and Steven Craven (Janna), of Middletown; 27 great-grandchildren, Dani, Kristi and Matti Hager, Elizabeth, Christian, and Aaron Craven, Matthew Copeland (Jessi Billings), Valarie Haller (Kevin Haller), Gracie Copeland, Adam and Dalton Shaw, Mac Nowlin (fiancée Shelby Cook), Ash and Alexis Nowlin, Caleb Walden, Makenzie Burts, Amy Hudson, Katelynn Burts (Blake Eoff), Madison Burts, Jaidyn Burts, Breigha Swygard, Sophia Swygard, Lilyan and Noah Luckey and Adrianna, Kolton and Tanner Craven; eight great-great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Amelie, Harper, Hudson, Bryce, Reha, Everlynn and Mason; his companion of over 20 years, Joyce Day, her children, Laurie Beech, Christy Copeland, Jeff and Steve Day, and their children, Morgan, Nathan, Jefferson, Jackson, Lance, Adrianna and Lance, Jared and Kale Day; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ricky Craven; one son-in-law, Grover Burts; five sisters; and six brothers.
The family suggests memorial gifts to the American Heart Association. They may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.
Condolences may be given at myersfuneralhome.biz.
